The Path to Zero Waste. CAW is working with Assembly Member Wes Chesbroon a comprehensive package of legislation that will both dramatically increase the state’s waste reduction and recycling goals, while designating the California Integrated Waste Management Board with both the responsibility and the authority for getting us there. Among the key features:

Recycling, Green Jobs & the Environment. Much as the country has become strategically and economically vulnerable due to our dependence on foreign sources of energy, California’s potential for Zero Waste and expanded recycling is being jeopardized by our dependence on overseas market’s for the utilization of recycled materials. The diversion of tens of millions of tons of waste from California> landfills has been a worthwhile environmental achievement, but the true environmental and economic potential of this change can only be realized and sustained when we have redirected these secondary materials to manufacturing.

California RoHS: Phase out the use of toxic materials in consumer electronics.

Used Motor Oil: Eliminate Recycling Incentive Payments for used motor burned as fuel, while establishing incentives for recycled content in automotive and industrial lubricants.

These are the broad brush strokes, and we are anxious to have your feedback and suggestions. Please feel free to contact me at: murray@cawrecycles.org. For the latest updates on these and other priority legislative proposals, and what you can do to help, check back frequently to www.cawrecycles.org.

As always, we need your support, both to persuade the legislature to pass critical new recycling legislation, but also your financial contributions to help maintain our presence in Sacramento.